Mallory - Weiss Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Cost
Last Updated: Jul 25, 2023
What is Mallory - Weiss Syndrome?
Mallory-Weiss Syndrome is a rare condition in which there is a tear in the mucosal lining of the gastrointestinal tract, usually at the junction between the stomach and oesophagus.
Types of Mallory - Weiss Syndrome
Mallory-Weiss Syndrome may present in any of these two forms:
- Acute Mallory-Weiss Syndrome occurs suddenly and is usually associated with severe retching or vomiting. This type of tear typically stops bleeding on its own, but if it does not, it may require medical intervention to stop the bleeding.
- Chronic Mallory-Chronic inflammation of the stomach or upper intestinal mucosa causes Weiss Syndrome over time.This type of tear often requires medical intervention in order to stop any ongoing bleeding and prevent further damage to the lining of the stomach or upper intestine.
What causes Mallory - Weiss Syndrome?
Mallory - Weiss Syndrome causes may include:
- Mallory-Alcohol abuse is often the cause of Weiss Syndrome. Physical trauma, such as being involved in a car accident, is another potential cause of this condition.
- Other causes include foreign body ingestion, gastric ulcers, and certain medications.
How can you prevent Mallory - Weiss Syndrome?
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
- Follow a healthy diet and lifestyle.
- Take care not to strain your stomach by lifting heavy objects or during bowel motions.
- Take medications to reduce acidity in the stomach, such as proton pump inhibitors or H2 receptor blockers, as prescribed by your doctor.
Mallory - Weiss Syndrome - Diagnosis and Tests
- Endoscopy: Using a flexible tube with a light and camera at the end, the digestive system is being examined in this procedure.It allows doctors to view any tears or lacerations in the mucosal lining of the oesophagus and stomach.
- Blood Tests: Blood tests may be ordered to measure levels of haemoglobin, which can indicate blood loss, as well as other electrolyte levels and markers of inflammation.
- X-Ray: An X-ray may be used to locate foreign objects in the digestive tract or detect any blockages or areas of narrowing in the oesophagus.
- CT Scan : A computed tomography, more often known as a CT scan, is a kind of medical imaging that generates three-dimensional images of the patient's body. It uses x-rays in combination with computer processing to generate cross-sectional images of internal organs and tissues.
What are possible complications of Mallory - Weiss Syndrome?
Possible complications of Mallory - Weiss Syndrome may include:
- Gastric bleeding: Mallory-Weiss Syndrome can cause significant and potentially life-threatening bleeding from the stomach.
- Anaemia:Anaemia is a sickness that occurs when there is a decrease in the quantity of red blood cells or haemoglobin in the blood, and it is possible for Mallory-Weiss Syndrome to cause blood loss, which may lead to anaemia.
- Shock: Severe bleeding from Mallory-Weiss Syndrome can result in shock, a life-threatening condition that occurs when not enough oxygen is getting to the organs and tissues due to decreased blood flow.
- Esophageal perforation: In some cases, Mallory-Weiss Syndrome can cause a tear or hole in the oesophagus, which can lead to severe pain, vomiting, and other symptoms.
- Death: In rare cases, severe complications from Mallory-Weiss Syndrome may be fatal if left untreated or if treatment is not successful in controlling the bleeding.
Home Remedies for Mallory - Weiss Syndrome?
Following are teh Home Remedies for Mallory - Weiss Syndrome:-
- Herbal medicines like Guduchi, Shatavari, Ashwagandha, Yashtimadhu, and Amla are helpful in reducing the symptoms of Mallory Weiss Syndrome
- . Following a healthy lifestyle including eating a balanced diet, avoiding stress, regular exercise and adequate sleep can help in managing this condition.
- Regular yoga and meditation can help in relieving stress and improving overall health. Herbal teas like chamomile tea, green tea and peppermint tea can also be taken to reduce the symptoms of the syndrome.
- Massaging with warm sesame oil or castor
What to eat in Mallory - Weiss Syndrome?
Foods you should eat in Mallory - Weiss Syndrome:-
- People with Mallory-Weiss Syndrome should follow a diet that is low in fat and high in fibre.
- Foods that are examples of healthy options include lean cuts of meat, fruits, vegetables, cereals that are whole, and low-fat dairy products.
- Drinking plenty of liquids can help you keep hydrated all day long and avoid dehydration.
What not to eat in Mallory - Weiss Syndrome?
Foods you should not eat in Mallory - Weiss Syndrome:-
- Avoid fatty, greasy and fried foods as they can worsen symptoms.
- Limit high-fibre foods such as nuts, seeds, popcorn and raw vegetables.
- Steer clear of meals like tomatoes and citrus fruits that have a high degree of acidity in their makeup.
- Reduce intake of coffee, tea, alcohol and carbonated beverages.
Mallory - Weiss Syndrome Treatment
Following are some treatments of Mallory - Weiss
- Syndrome:- Endoscopic staple ligation: This procedure involves the insertion of a thin, flexible tube into the stomach and small intestine to identify any tears that are present. If tears are found, metal staples are used to close the tear and prevent further bleeding.
- Endoscopic suture ligation: This procedure is similar to endoscopic staple ligation, but instead of using staples, a thin suture is used to close any tears in the stomach or small intestine.
- Angiographic embolization: This procedure involves using a catheter to inject a chemical substance into an artery feeding the Mallory-Weiss tear in order to block the flow of blood and stop the bleeding.
- Endoscopic injection of epinephrine: A solution of epinephrine is injected directly into the area around the tear in order to constrict any damaged blood vessels and stop bleeding.
Which doctor to consult for Mallory - Weiss Syndrome?
A gastroenterologist specialises in diseases of the digestive system and can provide diagnostic tests to confirm the presence of Mallory-Weiss Syndrome.
Which are the best medicines for Mallory - Weiss Syndrome?
- Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): Examples include omeprazole (Prilosec), esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid), pantoprazole (Protonix), and rabeprazole (Aciphex). These drugs seek to alleviate irritation and prevent the formation of ulcers by reducing the quantity of acid that is produced by the stomach.
- Antacids: Examples include aluminium hydroxide, calcium carbonate, and magnesium hydroxide. These drugs neutralise the acid in the stomach, helping to reduce irritation and ulcer formation. H2 Receptor
- Antagonists: Examples include ranitidine (Zantac), famotidine (Pepcid), cimetidine (Tagamet), and nizatidine (Axid). These drugs block histamine receptors in the stomach, reducing acid production and helping to reduce irritation and ulcer formation.
- Cytoprotective Agents: Examples include sucralfate (Carafate). This drug works by forming a protective coating on the lining of the stomach, protecting it from further damage.
How long does it take to recover from Mallory - Weiss Syndrome?
Recovery from Mallory-Weiss Syndrome usually takes about two weeks, depending on the severity of the tear and any associated complications.
Are the results of the treatment permanent?
.Depending on the kind of therapy and the specific conditions, the outcomes will vary. Some treatments may provide permanent results, while others may need to be repeated periodically.
What are post-treatment guidelines for Mallory - Weiss Syndrome ?
Follow up with your doctor to check for any remaining symptoms and to monitor for any complications.
- Avoid taking medications that might increase the risk of bleeding, such as aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen.
- Avoid strenuous activity or exercise until your doctor gives you the okay.
- Have a diet high in fresh produce, healthy grains, and lean meats like fish and chicken.
- Avoid alcohol consumption until recovery is complete to reduce the risk of further bleeding episodes or complications.
- Take iron supplements if prescribed by your doctor to replace iron lost from bleeding episodes during Mallory-Weiss Syndrome.
- If prescribed by your doctor, take antacids or other medications to reduce stomach acid production in order to prevent further irritation of the lining of the oesophagus and stomach
How long does it take to recover from Mallory - Weiss Syndrome?
Recovery from Mallory-Weiss Syndrome usually takes about two weeks, depending on the severity of the tear and any associated complications.
What are side-effects of Mallory - Weiss Syndrome treatments?
- Abdominal pain: Treatment of Mallory-Weiss Syndrome typically involves medications to reduce abdominal pain and discomfort.
- Bleeding: Medications may be used to reduce the risk of further bleeding, such as anticoagulants or blood thinners.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair any tears in the oesophagus or stomach lining that have caused Mallory-Weiss Syndrome.
- Endoscopy: An endoscopy may be required to diagnose and treat Mallory-Weiss Syndrome if it is suspected that a tear has occurred in the oesophagus or stomach lining.
Mallory - Weiss Syndrome - Conclusion
In order to prevent Mallory-Weiss Syndrome-related complications such as 'severe blood loss and shock and other illnesses,' the treatment for which could take months or even years to complete depending on the severity of the condition, you should consult a local medical professional if you are having any issues that may be related to the syndrome.
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